In a world filled with different formulas, ingredients and ideas, you could easily spend years researching various mixtures designed to draw in a large audience of women, all looking to turn their grooming routine au naturel. The problem is many of these formulas don’t work as well as their chemical counterparts, an issue that has many women ditching natural substitutes and reaching for their old standby at the drugstore; however, there is a surprising and common ingredient in many successful formulas that is probably sitting in your kitchen right now.

Fresh Lemons

Many women have discovered that the juice from a fresh lemon is effective in keeping their armpits odor-free all day. Amy Blackwell, 25, first heard of this natural trend from a friend. After doing some research, she decided to give it a try.

“I used it all through my pregnancy, even while I was crossfitting and it was awesome!” Blackwell exclaimed.

Perhaps what makes this ingredient so effective is its simplicity; the citric acid in lemons kills odor-causing bacteria and lasts throughout the entire day. There are no other ingredients added for moisture, antiperspirant or scent, which lessens skin irritation and reduces the chance for odor-causing ingredients. Because they contain less sugar than other citrus fruits, lemons are prime for serving as a natural deodorant alternative.

Cut the lemon in half and rub the exposed wedge on your underarms. Store the lemon in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The lemon halves can be used for up to a week!

Stick With It

Switching to an all-natural deodorant can be very difficult and honestly, a bit smelly. Many resources warn of a brief transition period that is difficult for even the most committed naturalist, testing their strength and patience. It’s important to remember that this period will not last forever and using natural products will soon become second nature to you and your body. Stick with your new natural routine until you achieve stench-free pits.

In the Meantime…

Good news! There is another natural remedy to combat unwanted smells during the transition period. The holy grail of natural deodorant is an armpit-detoxifying mask.

Composed of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, this mask pulls out harmful toxins in the armpits that cause unpleasant body odor.

Mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Make sure to use only plastic, ceramic or wood utensils; any metal coming in contact with bentonite clay will reduce its effectiveness. Mix the two ingredients until they form a paste-like consistency. Feel free to add more of either ingredient to achieve the right consistency. Apply a thick layer of the mask to your armpits and let dry. Wash with a washcloth and warm water. Repeat weekly, monthly or as needed.

When it comes to natural hygiene remedies, the possibilities are endless. Step out of your regular beauty routine and try something new for results that you and your body can be happy about.

Sarah Anderson

Sarah shuffles between editorial support, content production and advertising at WLM. She loves her job so much, and isn’t just saying that to impress her boss.